Find jeans that fit

The old saying "You get what you pay for" holds true for jeans: if you wear them often, splurge on a reputable high-end pair. You're paying for the fabric and the finishing, so they'll fit better and last longer.

When shopping for jeans – whether you're a size 2 or 20 – it's important to leave your body issues at home. Women often buy jeans that are too big because they're self-conscious. The truth is, you'll look smaller if you buy a pair that are close-fitting.

Shopping for jeans is just like buying a bathing suit or a bra. You need someone who understands fit and body shape, and who will offer you lots of choices. It can take eight or nine tries before you find the exact pair you want, so it's important to have patient, professional help.

Pocket placement is crucial when it comes to a fabulous back view. They should be centred on both cheeks for balance. Higher placement means a perkier bottom because pockets that are too low lengthen your backside and shorten your legs. Pockets that are too small can make your backside appear bigger, while oversized pockets are overpowering and unflattering.

The yoke is the piece of fabric that sits between the pockets and the waistband and extends across from seam to seam. Look for a narrower, V-shaped yoke, which raises the pocket and curves out the backside nicely. A yoke that's too wide will cause flattening and sagging.

The outseam sits on your outer thigh and contributes to how thin your legs look. It should gently hug and shape the thigh so there is no bulky excess fabric. An outseam that sits more to the front of the thigh also adds to the slimming effect.

Good-quality denim will hold its shape and resist wear and tear. As long as you're not wearing them every day, a quality pair of jeans should last at least a year. Look for stretch denim that's 98 per cent cotton and 2 per cent Lycra or spandex, which has all the properties of cotton, with a little bit of stretch. With such a small quantity of Lycra, throwing your jeans in the dryer won't cause damage – although it isn't recommended for after every wash. Dark jeans should be washed in cold water to preserve the dye.

Look for jeans that are cut lower in the front and higher in the back with a contoured waist band that will stay snug to prevent unsightly gaping. Also, if your jeans are too tight at the knees and thighs, they will pull down at the back when you sit. A looser knee and more relaxed thigh will help keep that from happening.